New £1 bus fare scheme for disabled residents

Disabled residents across part of Dorset will be able to travel by bus for £1 per journey during early mornings and late nights as part of a new transport scheme.

A trial has been introduced by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council for holders of a Disabled Person's English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) pass.

The scheme is funded through the government's local area bus grant and is backed by £50,000 from the council.

It will apply to journeys taken before 09:30 BST and after 23:00 on weekdays.

The trial is in response to requests from disabled residents of working age who need flexible travel options to access employment, education, or training outside standard free travel times.

The council has said that there is about 6,500 Disabled ENCTS pass holders in the BCP area.

Travel will remain free between 09:30 BST and 23:00 on weekdays, as well as all day on weekends and bank holidays.

Andy Hadley, BCP Council's cabinet member for climate response, environment and energy, said: "These passes provide free off-peak access to our extensive bus network, helping people to reach shops, healthcare services, community activities, as well as family and friends.

"For many people, these services also provide access to work, education and training.

"We want to support those journeys, and if the trial proves successful, we will work with our bus operator partners to explore extending it and potentially making it a permanent feature of the scheme."